A350 XWB first flight (pictures)

Wheels up

It might be the last highly-anticipated first flight for years to come. Early this morning, Airbus' A350 XWB, the aviation giant's next-generation, highly-fuel-efficient airplane, made with more than 50 percent composite materials, took the skies on its inaugural flight.

CNET couldn't be on hand in Blagnac, France, where Airbus' world headquarters is located, but thanks to a live stream, we're able to share the images of the A350's first flight with you.